Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to tribal welfare during his visit to Jamui, Bihar, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. This year marked the commencement of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter.
Key Announcements and Initiatives
- Development Projects Worth Over ₹6,640 Crore:
PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects focusing on housing, education, health, and infrastructure in tribal regions. Among these were:- 1.5 lakh approval letters for pucca houses for tribal families.
- Schools, hostels, and health facilities aimed at improving the quality of life for tribal communities.
- Road development projects to enhance connectivity in tribal areas.
- PM-JANMAN Yojana:
Launched with a ₹24,000 crore budget, this scheme targets the empowerment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Achievements under this scheme include:- Thousands of pucca houses for PVTGs.
- Improved connectivity through road projects.
- Access to drinking water under the Har Ghar Jal scheme.
- Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA):
This initiative, benefiting over 60,000 tribal villages, involves an investment of ₹80,000 crore to ensure basic facilities, create job opportunities, and provide skill training to tribal youth. - Global Centre for Traditional Medicine:
Set up in collaboration with the WHO, this centre will highlight tribal medicine systems on a global stage.
Recognition of Tribal Contributions
PM Modi highlighted the historical and cultural significance of tribal communities:
- Tribals were pivotal in shaping India’s history, from their role in transforming Prince Ram to Lord Ram to their contributions in the fight for independence.
- He emphasized the preservation of tribal heritage through tribal museums and research centres.
Increased Budget Allocation for Tribal Affairs
The Prime Minister noted that budgetary allocations for tribal welfare have increased fivefold in the last decade, rising from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore.
Achievements Under Modi’s Leadership
- 11,000 Awas Yojana homes were handed over to tribal families during Dev Deepavali.
- More tribal children are entering fields like medicine, engineering, and aviation, showcasing the growing impact of education initiatives.
A Vision for Empowerment
PM Modi expressed his vision of focusing on “education, income, and medicine” to empower tribal communities. He credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government for establishing the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and reiterated his government’s commitment to building on this legacy.
A Message of Inclusivity
The Prime Minister acknowledged past neglect of tribal contributions, stating that his government prioritizes justice and development for tribal communities. Modi’s address emphasized his belief in tribal welfare as a cornerstone of the nation’s progress.
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